Iran Warns Trump: Strait of Hormuz Cannot Be Seized by Tweets

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has firmly rejected recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strategic waterway remains under Tehran's exclusive control.

Speaking at a campaign event in Garden City, New York, Trump told supporters that after Iran's defeat, Washington would "pretty soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory. The comments were part of his broader rhetoric on the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In response, Gharibabadi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to dismiss Trump's statement. He wrote that the strait "cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech." He further emphasized that Iran fears neither threats nor displays of power.

In a separate post, Gharibabadi reiterated Iran's position, stating that the Strait of Hormuz "has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian." He also warned that Iran would continue enforcing its blockade of the waterway until Washington accepted what he called its "strategic and heavy defeats."

The exchange comes amid a monthslong war between Iran and the United States that began in February with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and infrastructure sites. A ceasefire memorandum of understanding, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, later collapsed, and both sides have continued exchanging strikes. Control of the Strait of Hormuz has remained a central flashpoint in the conflict.

According to Mehr News Agency, Gharibabadi's remarks underscore Tehran's determination to maintain its authority over the strait, which is a vital artery for global oil shipments. The situation continues to be closely monitored by international observers as tensions remain high.